Goodwill Schedule of Goodwill Allocated to Reporting Segments (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill beginning balance			$ 1,209,376	$ 1,305,599
Goodwill acquired			10,251
Goodwill Impairment	540,400	0	540,400	0
Effect of change in exchange rates			35,379	(69,016)
Goodwill ending balance	714,606	1,236,583	714,606	1,236,583
Itron North America [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill beginning balance			198,048	197,515
Goodwill acquired			0
Goodwill Impairment			0
Effect of change in exchange rates			(317)	130
Goodwill ending balance	197,731	197,645	197,731	197,645
Itron International [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill beginning balance			1,011,328	1,108,084
Goodwill acquired			10,251
Goodwill Impairment			540,400
Effect of change in exchange rates			35,696	(69,146)
Goodwill ending balance	$ 516,875	$ 1,038,938	$ 516,875	$ 1,038,938

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date, which is the cumulative amount paid and (if applicable) the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to the adoption of any changes in generally accepted accounting principles (as applicable) and for any impairment charges, in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in one or more business combination transactions.

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+ Details

- Definition

Loss recognized during the period that results from the write-down of goodwill after comparing the implied fair value of reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. Goodwill is assessed at least annually for impairment.

+ References

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+ Details